[Facilitation of the effects of L-DOPA by alpha-methyldopa]

Alpha-methyl-DOPA increased the duration of excitation induced by L-DOPA in mice, alpha-methyl-DOPA potentiated the anticataleptogenic activity of L-DOPA in mice pretreated with reserpine or haloperidol. Alpha-methyl-DOPA given to cats 30 min prior to L-DOPA diminished the influence of L-DOPA on the blood pressure and the contraction of the nictitating membrane. When given 4 to 6 hours prior to L-DOPA alpha-methyl DOPA enhanced the reaction of the blood pressure and contraction of the nictitating membrane induced by L-DOPA or dopamine.